The Lines We Cross

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, wartime violence, deaths of family members, and substance misuse.

Michael Blainey’s parents are the founders of an anti-immigrant group called Aussie Values. Michael joins his father, Alan, at a protest against immigration. The individuals on their side carry signs with xenophobic and Islamophobic messages. One of the counter protesters is “the most beautiful girl [Michael’s] ever seen” (4), but he doesn’t think he should be attracted to her because of the differences between them. After the protest, Alan and Michael drive to a locally owned fish and chips shop that is closing after 20 years in business. Alan claims that his group fights for the rights of people like the shop’s owner, Joe, who are being priced out of the area.

Mina and her mother immigrated from Afghanistan ten years before, fleeing the destruction of the Taliban, leaving behind Mina’s deceased father, and spending months in Villawood Detention Center upon their arrival in Australia. Mina, her mother, and her stepfather are preparing to leave their beloved neighborhood in Auburn and move to the lower North Shore of Sydney so Mina can attend the prestigious Victoria College where she’s earned a scholarship.